In partnership with Burberry

Here in Australia, the shift from winter to spring is subtle. Mornings are still cool, the light is softer, and layers are shed slowly. It’s this in-between mood that calls for a trench coat: something timeless and versatile. For Burberry, it’s a space they’ve defined for over a century.

This season, the British house builds on its storied history to introduce the Ellingham – a new trench silhouette that reimagines archival elements with soft structure and understated volume. Designed with wider sleeves, a fuller skirt, and a gently cinched waist, the Ellingham brings a sense of ease and confidence to the transitional wardrobe.

It’s a natural evolution for a piece steeped in heritage. The Burberry trench coat was born between 1914 and 1918, originally created for military use. Crafted from cotton gabardine — a lightweight, weather-resistant fabric invented by Thomas Burberry in 1879 – the coat was designed to withstand the elements without compromising comfort.

Fast-forward to 2025, and each Burberry trench is still woven and hand-finished in Yorkshire, continuing a legacy of craftsmanship that now includes new silhouettes like the Ellingham. It’s a reminder that even the most iconic pieces can be reimagined — not by rewriting the past, but by carrying it forward.

In Sydney, creative Petra Mackova captures the trench’s enduring appeal. Her styling reflects the season itself — layered, effortless, and adaptable — for days that begin cool, stretch longer and, of course, require a coat that does it all. The Ellingham is that piece: rooted in heritage, but still ready for now. Mackova sat down with RUSSH to share exactly how she's styling her Burberry Ellingham, below

The trench is a wardrobe constant – but what’s one unexpected way you're styling it this season?

I love wearing it with high boots or even lounge pants. Mixing something structured with something super relaxed makes it feel fresh and comfortable at the same time.

Layering is almost a language in your styling. How do you strike that balance between warmth and ease when spring can still surprise us?

I keep the base light - like a tank or tee and add one good outer layer. I usually throw a scarf or jumper in my bag just in case. It’s about being prepared without overthinking it.

You often blur the lines between city polish and effortless ease. What’s your secret to keeping things feeling undone, but intentional?

I never try to make it perfect. I like when something’s a little off like unbuttoned cuffs, oversized trousers, hair not too done. Super light make-up. It feels more natural that way.

You have a way of making classics feel entirely new. What details or textures are you pairing with the trench this season to keep it fresh?

I’m into denim, sometimes even layering a denim jacket under the trench if it’s colder. It makes the look feel lived-in and a bit less polished, which I like.

Do you approach seasonal dressing intuitively or do you like to plan your palette and silhouettes ahead?

Mostly intuitively. I go with what I’m feeling that day, but I do stick to a pretty neutral palette so everything mixes easily. That said, I always check the weather, even days ahead. Not just for dressing, but because we shoot outdoors a lot and my looks are styled around whatever the weather’s doing.

What’s inspiring you beyond the wardrobe at the moment – art, film, music? And how does that filter into your style?

Books, mostly. I’ve been into old interior books, vintage photo archives, and collecting designer archives, the way they lived back then really fascinates me. I also love art in general. All of it makes me want to dress with more softness and ease.

Finally, if your spring wardrobe had a mood or a mantra – what would it be?

Comfort first, but make it chic.

The Burberry Ellingham trench is available now in-store and online.